NELSON RANGELL

Saxophone & Flute

Jazziz magazine writes that Nelson Rangell is “an artist of depth, a master of song, and an improviser non pareil”. The Times of London notes “his extraordinary facility on a range of instruments and his undoubted virtuosity”. Such praise is a confirmation of what contemporary jazz fans have known since the Denver based saxophonist emerged in the late 80s: that Rangell is one of the most exciting and diverse performers in the genre, equally adept at soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone, as well as being a genuine virtuoso on flute and piccolo. Nelson first played flute at the age of 15. Within six months he was studying both classical and jazz music at The Interlochen Arts Academy, a national camp for gifted music students. He went on to attend The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. As a student he twice won Down Beat Magazine’s prestigious National Student Recording Awards competition both as best jazz and best pop/rock instrumental soloist. After college he headed to New York in 1984 to pursue his career. The next four years were spent sitting in, playing alongside, and gigging with some of the world’s greatest contemporary jazz musicians including Hiram Bullock, Jorge Dalto, Eric Gale, Richard Tee, Jaco Pastorius, David Sanborn and many others. He also found occasional employment with the legendary Gil Evans Monday Night Orchestra. Rangell’s debut album was released 1987. Since then, he has worked together with a lot of famous artists, e.g. The Rippingtons, Earl Klugh, Brian Bromberg, Vlad Girshevich, Chuck Loeb, Patti Austin and Tom Browne.